The past few days

One of the reasons ...

Here is just one of the reasons I love teaching ... an excerpt from one of the student papers I am reading tonight ...

After reading my dad's career story, I called him immediately and asked him why he had never told me some of these things. He laughed and laughed and said, “I didn’t think you would want to know, but I’m glad you do.” Personally, this has been a creative bonding experience for my dad and me. He looks forward to the weekly call and I do too.  The interview assignments are more than a grade, they are a window into my dad’s world.

another one ...

I enjoyed reading the narratives in class, as well, because they gave me a true sense of hope for my own career. The narratives showed that things happen and change throughout your career, and throughout your life, but that you can often look back at events and realize, “hey, that happened for a reason and it makes sense now.” (Retrospective sense making!) This idea makes me less afraid of what may be ahead of me. I hope that when I’m thinking about/writing my own career narrative a few decades from now, it will be a rich story that inspires others to have faith that everything will work out in the end. 

and another one ...

            Another aspect of inheritance I found interesting was gender. I’ve always categorized certain things as boys or girls, never thinking much on why I felt that way. After doing the in class activity with various toy stores, I began to question why I associated them in that manner. At a young age we are told and treated differently according to our sex but as time has changed, I see the importance of encouraging all children to follow their dreams, regardless of gender. These categories can create boundaries and prevent children to reaching their full potential.

 

 I really do love what I do on days like today.

- ashley

the past few years

I couldn't help but pull these out the other day. Too sweet!

- ashley

Labor Day splash park

House divided

On Saturday, the girls got dressed for the games ....

Lydia was happy to put on her "war eagle" dress (which made her Daddy happy). 

EB wanted to keep on her maroon uniform shirt, so she said she was cheering for Oklahoma cause that was Aunt Whitney's favorite. After explaining, that Britton, Whit, Boston, CC and Granddaddy all like State, which is Maroon and White, she decided to go for that ...

They were both excited to show off their attire for the camera ...

War Eagle! Go State!

I miss you, Mommy.

One of Lydia's new things to say is "I miss you."

She's so sweet when she sees one of us at the end of the work day and says "I miss you Mommy a' school" -- translation - Mommy, I missed you while I was at school today. She usually likes to say it when she's being held and she's holding my face in her hands or while her cheek is pressed up next to mine.

Another new saying is telling us when she is going to be or was happy. Before school, once she's ok with the idea of going there, she'll say "Kathy, Paula, I happy." -- translation -- I'm going to be happy at drop-off for school today.

She really has become so much more aware of her own feelings and determining her own outlook in these past few weeks. It's amazing to watch her develop.

- Lydia's Mommy

our neighborhood

We are really enjoying our neighborhood. While it takes a good 20 minutes to drive to campus, the benefits of being in this welcoming neighborhood have been great. For example, a few weekends ago I was working in the yard while Lydia napped (as in, the hottest time of the day), and our neighbor Todd came over with the above iced tea and said, "Erin sent me over with this. Enjoy!"

We are lucky to be here.

- ajb

last summer trip

Over the summer EB had a few trips to visit her CC and Granddaddy, one was just before EB went to her K orientation, Here are some pictures from her trips. They included cereal bracelets ...

... dipping English muffins in "coffee" like CC ...

... getting ready for and enjoying the Buckingham neighborhood 4th of July celebration ...

... having popsicles in the pool with Granddaddy ...

... loving her time of full-attention from her CC!

When they got back to Baton Rouge, CC sent this picture from her phone ...

Note to self -- don't leave the dryer door open.

cousins weekend

The weekend before classes began, Henry Winters and John Winters (along with their parents at different points in the weekend) were all at CC and Granddaddy's house, so of course the girls and I had to drive up for 48 hours. Unfortunately, Graham had to lead Sunday school and go to orientation events, so he couldn't join us. Regardless, it was well worth the drive by myself with the girls to be able to enjoy some cousin time ...

 

Whit and Boston's prom (aka HS reunion) photo

We attempted to get a photo of all four grandkids and this was the best one ...

I'd say it's pretty cute. On the drive home Sunday after a stop at the LA welcome center, EB said, "Don't worry, Mom, you just stay up there. I'll get Lydia all buckled. Don't you worry, I can do it." And then she did, making sure her little sis had multiple paci's and two lovee's. Such a good helper!

Wish we could have these fun times every month!

the real seat belt

For a while we have been convinced that EB is ready to have a seat that she can get out of by herself (she has been able to buckle the five point harness for a while now). But the seat we had stated she had to be 40 pounds to use the car's seatbelt (she's 37.5). EB was also quite convinced that she was ready for a car seat where she could unbuckle herself (the bottom of the Britax 5-point harness was just too hard for her) and she has been reminding us of this everyday at carpool.

So, Ashley did a quick search of car seats and found out that the Graco Affix uses the car's seatbelt starting at 30 pounds. They went to the store that day and got EB this brand new seat! She is quite excited. Ashley is excited because the car seat still has latch attachment so it is "affixed" to the actual car's bench seat. EB is so proud that everyone we've seen this past week has been asked to come see her new car seat :).

The best part about it for her is that she can get out by herself in carpool. Very big girl.